IDF chief Zamir establishes expert team to investigate drone accident that killed two soldiers

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 10:53Updated: SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 10:57 IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered the establishment of an expert team to investigate the recent operational accident in which two IDF soldiers were killed, the military announced on Friday.The team, led by a Ground Forces brigadier-general, will examine the incident in order to ensure a similar one does not occur again.In addition, following the accident, all IDF attack drones will be grounded for 48 hours, after which a renewed assessment will be conducted.The "Atalef" (bat) suicide drone involved in the incident has been in operational use by the IDF since the start of the war.Fallen soldiers Ofek Moalem, 23, and Nadav Kali, 24, are pictured following the IDF announcement of their death in the Gaza Strip. Announcement dated September 25, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)Two IDF soldiers killed while operating droneThe two soldiers killed were Maj. (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Maj. (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem.The soldiers were operating a drone, successfully completing their first operation, 99th Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Elad Tzuri said.However, during the second operation, the drone crashed within their outpost in the northern Gaza Strip. The two soldiers went to investigate the crash site, at which time the drone exploded, Tzuri said.James Genn and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.Follow us on Google